The Invensys FP Freeze Protection Valves utilize a reliable
self-contained Dole Power Element which is sensitive to temperature and
operates without any electrical power or sensors. Typically in solar
applications, the valve port opens on descending temperatures allowing the
near freezing water in the solar panel to be discharged and replaced with
warmer supply water. When the warmer water reaches the valve, the port closes
and water discharge stops.

This cycle will repeat as often as
necessary to help prevent freezing. The amount of water dispensed depends
mainly on ambient air temperature, make up water temperature, the duration of
the cold spell and the number and size of collectors. The system is
functioning properly when water is being discharged from the valve during
near freezing conditions. For water to be discharged at the time of
operation, system water pressure must be maintained.

A
typical solar domestic water heating system components and layout is shown
below.

Freeze Protection Valve Application
Considerations:

1. The Invensys "Freeze
Protection Valve(s)" functions properlyprovided the valve is installed in a
location, where during operation, the warmer supply water first passes through
the collectors and/or pipe to be protected and then through the valve. The
"Freeze Protection Valve(s)" should be located in a position to allow good
water distribution through the solar panelso that when the valve opens,
water flows as evenly as possible through all the collector tubes. Location of
the valve may vary depending on the system design and piping.

2. IMPORTANT INSTALLATION NOTES: Select a mounting
position where the valve will sense the coldest anticipated ambient
temperature. When used in conjunction with active systems, the valve should
also be located within close proximity of the collector outlet with 2"-6"
offset below the collector header (see illustration). Do not mount in a
position where the valve will be exposed to an unnatural heat source (i.e.
poorly insulated roof, dryer or furnace vents, etc). The plumbing from the
collector outlet to the point where it penetrates the roof should be insulated
(this will prevent heat loss, and protect the piping from freeze damage in
cold temperatures). The Freeze Protection Valve must be connected to the
main return line from a tee fitting and have 8”-10” of copper piping between
the tee and the valve – this section of pipe must NOT be insulated, and must
be painted black to properly simulate the collector sensing outside
temperature conditions. This section of pipe should be no less than 1/2”
diameter, and preferably be 3/4” diameter (even if the main return line is
only 1/2” diameter) to provide maximum surface area to sense outside
temperature conditions. This section of pipe must be 1”-2” below the
outlet pipe to prevent exposure to high temperatures that can develop near the
collector outlet (see illustration).

3. The system must
be subjected to normal operating pressures ofbetween 20 and 125 PSI at all
times for the valve to operate properly. Do not shut off water supply to the
collectors or isolate the collectors from the city water
supply.

4. When a check valves is required in the return
line, be sure it is operating and installed in a proper location with respect to
the Freeze Protection Valve. Water flow must be prevented from “bypassing” the
collector. If the check valve leaks internally and does not properly seat, water
flow may be bypassed through the check valve rather than through the
collector.

5. Do not insulate the Freeze Protection Valve or exposed
pipe between the collector return line and the Freeze Protection Valve. Any
other section of exposed pipe where no water flow exists during valve operation
should be heavily insulated.

6. Install by applying
torque with a wrench to the square metal inlet flange. Do not apply torque to
the plastic body.

7. For proper utilization of the
anti-siphon port, the Freeze Protection Valve should be installed in a vertical
position with discharge port down. To prevent wasps or other insects from
nesting inside the discharge port which could cause blockage of water flow, wire
or plastic screen (not included) can be placed over the openings and
secured. Be sure that the screen will not interfere with discharging
water.

8. To enhance customer satisfaction of this
product, we recommend a plastic discharge tube be connected to the 1/4" pipe
threads or the 5/8" barbs, then routed to a safe, nonobjectionable location
where the discharged water will drain.

9. If a discharge
tube is used, make sure it will drain freely and is installed in accordance to
local codes. Avoid water traps in the discharge tube that could freeze and
prevent drainage. The valve has an alternate path for discharge water flow
should the discharge tube become impaired.

10. Do not
attempt to disassemble the top cover. The inlet retention flange can be removed
to inspect the screen for periodic cleaning and
replacement._______________________________________________________

Product
Manufacturer: Invensys Appliance Controls.

Manufacturer
Warranty:Dole/Invensys Energy Control Products are warranted by
the manufacturer to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a
period of one year from the date of installation, when properly installed and
used in accordance with the installation instructions.

Invensys
obligation is limited to the repair or exchange of the defective parts and does
not include reimbursement for any removal or installation expenses.

To
make a claim under this warranty please contact Solar Direct for return
instructions. This warranty is in lieu of all warranties expressed or implied,
including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purchase.

NOTE: During cold weather, it is normal for
the valve to dispense water from its discharge port even when ambient air
temperatures are several degrees above
freezing.

_______________________________________________________

WARNING: Solar collectors can reach internal
temperatures up to 10 degrees below the outside ambient air temperature.
Standard Active Open Loop Solar Systems typically require a model FP45 valve to
ensure proper protection. Passive Batch or Integrated Collector Storage (ICS)
systems such as the ProgressivTube have a much larger volume and mass of stored
water, and will not freeze as quickly as a Active Open Loop Solar System,
therefore they can typically utilize a model FP35 valve. This condition results
from a phenomenon known as “night-sky emissivity”. The emissivity of a
material is the ratio of energy radiated by the material (solar panel) to
energy radiated (or absorbed) by a black body (the sky); it is a measure of a
material's ability to absorb and radiate energy. Since solar collectors are
coated with a black surface they are very good at conducting and emitting
energy. When the outside temperature approaches freezing, the surface of the
solar collector begins to emit energy to the night sky. When the atmosphere is
clear with no clouds, the transfer of energy is accelerated. In layman terms,
this means that on a cold clear night, the water in the solar panel can be up
to 10 degrees colder than the outside temperature. A Freeze Protection Valve
needs to begin opening when the outside temperature drops to 42 degrees and
below. As the temperature drops from 42 to 32 the volume of water discharged
from the valve increases. Consult the owner’s manual of your collector and/or
system to determine the correct valve model to use; Solar Direct and/or The
Energy Supermarket makes no claim as to the correct valve to use, and/or its
usage and application; and assumes no liability for damages resulting from
correct or incorrect use of this product.